An Introduction to the Devout Life

by Francis de Sales

Publisher:

M. H. Gill & Son

, 1885

Overview

St. Francis began An Introduction to the Devout Life as a correspondence with a married women looking to increase her spiritual devotion in the midst of a busy life; the result was a layman’s guide to the spiritual life. Each chapter is a short meditation designed to challenge and refocus the believer towards an authentic Christian life. At nearly 120 chapters, An Introduction to the Devout Life is the perfect companion for jump-starting a devotional routine or continuing a life-long journey of spiritual maturity.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The ordinary purifying and healing, be it of the body or the soul, is only effected little and little, going on by degrees, with pain and labour.” (Page 11)

“So, when the penitent hates his sin, but only with a light, though true contrition, he resolves indeed to sin no more; but when he abhors it with a powerful and vigorous contrition, he then not only detests the sin, but all the affections, tendencies, and occasions of it.” (Page 16)

“I make use of a name applicable to all such as aspire to devotion; for the Greek word, Philothea, signifies a soul loving, or in love with, God.” (Pages viii–ix)

“The first purification which ought to be made is from sin; the means to make it is the sacrament of penance.” (Page 12)

“Philothea, to go with a good guide on this holy voyage of devotion, beseech God with great fervency to grant you one that may be according to his heart; and doubt not, for he will rather send you an angel from heaven, as He did to young Tobias, than fail to give you a good and faithful guide.” (Page 9)

Product Details

• Title: An Introduction to the Devout Life
• Author: Francis de Sales
• Publisher: M. H. Gill and Son
• Publication Date: 1885
• Pages: 286

About Francis de Sales

Francis de Sales (August 21, 1567 – December 28, 1622) was Bishop of Geneva and is a Roman Catholic saint. He worked to convert Protestants back to Catholicism, and was an accomplished preacher. He is known also for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, particularly Introduction to the Devout Life, along with his Treatise on the Love of God.